Marc Guehi is still a target for Liverpool for next summer after missing out on the Palace defender in September.
The summer transfer window drama surrounding Marc Guehi’s failed move to Anfield might have concluded, but Liverpool’s interest in the Crystal Palace defender shows no signs of wavering.
When a £35 million deal appeared imminent on deadline day, with the England international already undergoing his medical, the Merseyside club watched helplessly as Palace chairman Steve Parish pulled the plug at the eleventh hour, citing the club’s inability to secure a replacement.
Since then, Eagles boss Oliver Glasner has confirmed that the Guehi will not be signing a new deal at Selhurst Park – meaning that Liverpool could still scoop him up on a free transfer next summer.
The advantage shifts considerably between domestic and foreign suitors in this scenario.
The likes of Real and Bayern Munich hold a tangible edge, permitted under FIFA regulations to negotiate pre-contract agreements with Guehi from January onwards.
Liverpool, constrained by Premier League rules governing domestic free agents, must wait until summer to formalize any arrangement.
However, it seems that Arne Slot still holds the trump card.
According to Lewis Steele, writing in his Liverpool Confidential, Marc Guehi has made a promise to join Liverpool in the summer:
“Reds target Marc Guehi – the Crystal Palace captain who was nearly a Liverpool player on deadline day – has been linked with Real Madrid over a free transfer next summer. The Spanish club have played down those reports.”
“Guehi remains on Liverpool’s list for a future signing – we have already debated whether that should be in January or the summer – and sources in Madrid reckon he has given his word to join the Premier League champions.”
According to AS, financial factors have discouraged Xabi Alonso’s side from pursuing a deal.
Guehi’s salary expectations and a sizeable signing-on fee are beyond Madrid’s current budget, particularly after spending £50million to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in the summer.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.